BEE GEE BARRY GIBB MAKES OPRY DEBUT The sole surviving member of The Bee Gees, Barry, performed for the first time since the death in May of his brother Robin. The oldest Gibb brother at 65 achieved a dream dating back to his childhood in Australia, when he made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville, according to Country Weekly.

Gibb, a huge country fan, performed a brief three-song set with bluegrass veteran Ricky Skaggs. The set included two Bee Gees '60 s classics, "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" and "To Love Somebody." He kicked off his showcase with a song from 1901, "When the Roses Bloom Again," that's been covered by Johnny Cash and Jeff Tweedy and his band Wilco.

During his performance a fan shouted out that they missed his brothers (the third brother, Maurice, died in 2003). Without skipping a beat, Gibb replied, "They're all here."

NASH SAYS CSN WILL RECORD AGAIN Graham Nash disputed bandmate Stephen Stills' assertion last month that Crosby, Stills and Nash will never record again, according to an interview with Music Radar.

"Crosby, Stills and Nash will do another record. We're right in the middle of one, "Songs We Wish We'd Written." We started that process with Rick Rubin. It didn't work out, but the idea is still a brilliant one."

As for the trio's relationship with Rubin in the studio, he said, "After almost 50 years of making records, we think we know what we're doing, so it's very hard to tell Crosby, Stills and Nash what to do. You can suggest anything you want, but you can't tell us what to do."

He elaborated, "We were recording at Shangri La in Malibu and it was not a great experience. First of all, he pissed off David Crosby. David said he wanted to do 'Blackbird' and another Beatles song. Rick said, 'There will only be one Beatles song.' Crosby said to him, 'There'll only be one Beatles song if we decide there will only be one Beatles song,' you know, like, 'who the (blank) are you to tell me.' From the start, it was irritable."

The band rerecorded the songs produced by Rubin, including The Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday" and The Who's "Behind Blue Eyes."

Nash said CSN will continue recording the album after their summer tour wraps. That tour includes stops on Sept. 7 at the Greek Theatre in L.A., Sept. 28 at the Santa Barbara Bowl and two gigs, Sept. 29-30, at Humphrey's in San Diego.

In other Nash news, the former member of British Invasion band, The Hollies, who was presented an OBE by 2010 by Queen Elizabeth, but became a U.S. citizen in 1978, visited the political talk show, "Morning Joe" on MSNBC.

Among other assessments, he addressed the current avalanche of undisclosed campaign contributions, saying, "I think the very heart of what's going on, and I think one of the main issues is Citizens United. Not only would I like personally to see Citizens United reversed, I would like to have investigated those who gave them Citizens United, (Supreme Court justices) Scalia, Thomas, those people. I'm very upset about the Supreme Court right now. I think the ability to buy a democracy is a terrible, terrible thing."

Nash also doesn't like the Supreme Court's lifetime appointment. "I don't believe personally they should have lifetime jobs. I think people get senile. They think they're unbiased. They're not supposed to be. It's not good."

Always a staunch protector of the land and water, Nash was given the Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Award from the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary in Woods Hole, Mass. for "a lifetime of achievement spent passionately raising awareness and protecting whales."

THE WHO'S DALTREY GETS DEGREE Roger Daltrey, the 68-year-old singer for The Who, who was awarded a CBE by Queen Elizabeth in 2005 for his services to music, the entertainment industry and charity, has another honor. Daltry joined hundreds of students at the commencement ceremony at England's Middlesex University, where an honorary degree was bestowed upon him for his half-century contribution to music and acting.

The Who will embark on their first American tour since 2008 on Nov. 1 in Sunrise, Fla. The band will perform its epic 1973 rock opera "Quadrophenia" in its entirety. The 36-date two-part tour makes stops next Jan. 28 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Jan. 30 at the Staples Center in downtown L.A., and on Feb. 5 at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego.

KINKS' DAVIES ADDED TO OLYMPICS CLOSING? Britain's Telegraph is reporting that leaked documents of the London Olympics closing ceremony on Aug. 12 call for Ray Davies, legendary former leader of British Invasion icons The Kinks to appear, where he'll perform one of the most beloved songs in the history of British rock music, "Waterloo Sunset," the wistful, melancholy ode to London, the River Themes and Waterloo Station. The song first appeared on the 1967 album, "Something Else by The Kinks." It hit No. 2 on the British singles chart and is listed at No. 42 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

If true, Davies will join his fellow British Invaders, The Who, and George Michael, who recently recovered from a near-fatal bout of pneumonia that forced his doctors to perform an emergency tracheotomy and keep the singer in an induced coma for nearly a month.

A 22-song, 2-CD anthology import, "Waterloo Sunset: The Very Best of The Kinks and Ray Davies," that spans their nearly 50 years, will be released Aug. 21. Being an import, the collection contains a considerable number of mid and late-'60 s songs that were hits for The Kinks in the U.K. and elsewhere around the world, but not here, including "Autumn Almanac," "Days" and "Plastic Man," as well as Davies' younger brother, Kinks guitarist Dave's hits with the band, "Death of a Clown" and "Strangers" and solo career songs such as "Fortis Green." Songs from Ray Davies' solo career include, "London Song" and "Next Door Neighbor." The title song from The Kinks final EP, "Did Ya," from 1991, is also included.

QUINCY JONES COMES OUT OF RETIREMENT At 79, composer-conductor-producer Quincy Jones is emerging from his semi-retirement to compose the film score for "The Butler," the fictional story of a man played by Forest Whitaker, who worked in the White House under eight presidential administrations. The rest of the all-star cast includes Mariah Carey, Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda, Alan Rickman and Robin Williams.

Jones composed his first motion picture score in 1961 for the Swedish film, "The Boy in the Tree." He's received seven Oscar nominations for his film music, including "In Cold Blood" in 1968, "For Love of Ivy" in 1968, "The Wiz" in 1978 and "The Color Purple" in 1985.

ANNUAL JOHNNY RAMONE TRIBUTE SET The 8 th annual Johnny Ramone Tribute that honors the guitarist for the hugely influential punk outfit, The Ramones, is set for Aug. 19 at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, according to a release on PR Newswire.

Ramone died of prostate cancer in 2004, at age 55, and is buried in the cemetery.

Among the guests appearing will be Ramone's widow Linda, Lisa Marie Presley, Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, former Black Flag screamer-turned-poet Henry Rollins, X guitarist Billy Zoom, Stray Ca Slim Jim Phantom, and actresses Rose McGowan and P.J. Soles, who starred with The Ramones in the 1979 comedy, "Rock and Roll High School," based on the band's hit song. One of Ramone's Top 10 favorite movies, "Kid Creole," starring Presley's dad, the King, will be screened prior to the ceremony and performances.

ON THE CHARTS Reggae pioneer and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jimmy Cliff's new album, "Rebirth," debuted on Billboard's Top 200 album chart at No. 76. Not a great start, but it is nonetheless the highest position on the Hot 200 that he has ever attained.

Thanks to an album sale on Amazon, Phil Collins' 1998 triple-platinum album, "Hits," is at No. 6. When the album was first released the highest it ever got was No. 18.

Recent new albums by classic artists in the Top 200 include Lionel Ritchie's guest star filled-country re-recording of his hits, "Tuskegee," is at No. 45; The Beach Boys reunion album, "That's Why God Made the Radio" is at No. 85; Neil Young & Crazy Horse's rocking CD of 20 th century songs, "Americana," is at No. 110; Bonnie Raitt's first new record in eight years, "Slipstream," is at No. 132; and Joe Walsh of The Eagles and The James Gang's first solo album in two decades, "Analog Man," that saw him backed by Ringo Starr and Jeff Lynne, sits at No. 156.

On other Billboard charts, Rush's new "Clockwork Angels" is No. 19 on the Rock Album chart, while Cyndi Lauper has a new hit, "Sex is the Heel," that's at No. 21 on the Dance chart.

Jones apologized to the fans. British singer Will Young took Jones' place.

ERIC BURDON RECOVERING Eric Burdon is recovering from back surgery in an undisclosed California hospital, according to two posts on his Facebook page from his management team. The posted press release says the 71-year-old Animals singer has battled debilitating back pain for the past three years. This has forced Burdon to perform from a chair or stool in concert.

A tweet posted on his Facebook page says, "Successful back surgery earlier today & in hospital room watching opening of the Olympics. Looks like it's gonna be a painful recovery. Thanks for all the wishes on a speedy recovery and hope you've been keeping up with the Olympics, too!"

No date has been set for Burdon to return to performing.

DARLENE LOVE RECOVERING Darlene Love, who was a member of Phil Spector's Wall of Sound backup singing group, The Blossoms, and who hit No. 1 in 1962 singing lead for the girl group, The Crystals, on "He's a Rebel," is recovering from a minor heart attack, reports WCBS.

Love initially thought she was merely suffering a case of indigestion before her performance in Asbury Park, N.J. She performed the concert, but by the next day, the pain was so severe that she went to a hospital and was told that she had suffered a heart attack. Love, who just turned 71, was released two days later and was told that she'd be able to resume her normal routine shortly.

LEANN RIMES RECOVERING Country star LeAnn Rimes is canceling several concert dates because the singer, who became a star at 13, underwent eight hours of dental surgery that included a major root canal, reports People. Immediately after the procedure, she tweeted, "Out of surgery!!!! All is well. My whole face is numb and I'm starving, bad combo. Thx for all the prayers." In February, she had minor surgery on her mouth. She is scheduled for more oral surgery next week.

His assistant, Linda Hoffman, posted an update on the singer's Facebook page, writing, "He continues to recover beautifully from this massive surgery." She added that he's been reading all the Facebook posts, emails and cards. "He says it's surreal. To be near death one day and to have his angel-donor's organs healing him the next day is just a miracle. His skin is pink now, and his eyes sparkle once more."

TOBY KEITH SURGERY AND 'IDOL' CHAT Country star Toby Keith underwent out-patient surgery to remove his gallbladder, forcing the postponement of his Aug. 2 concert at Fort McCoy in Sparta, Wis., reports Got Country. The 51-year-old Keith is expected to resume performances the following night, Aug. 3, at WE Fest in Great Lakes, Wis.

Keith's publicist said he declined an invitation to join the cast of the upcoming season of "American Idol." Mariah Carey just inked a one-season deal for a reported $18 million.

Keith did, however, perform a CMT Radio Live benefit for the victims of the Aurora, Co., shooting.

Joining him on the hour-long broadcast were Reba McEntire, Kix Brooks, Sara Evans and John Rich of Big and Rich.

RUCKER ONCE AGAIN HOOTIE Four years after putting Hootie & The Blowfish pretty much on hold while he undertook a highly successful career as a country solo artist, singer Darius Rucker will reunite with The Blowfish. "There's one more Hootie record and tour that we're going to do," he tells Billboard.

He admitted that he didn't know exactly when it would occur because he's devoting all his time to his country career. However, he did say that Hootie shows here and there are on the docket. "We've got two shows in August. We do about four or five dates a year."

SINGER TONY MARTIN DIES AT AGE 98 Debonair, big-voiced romantic Big Band singer Tony Martin died at his West Los Angeles home at age 98, reports the Associated Press. Martin notched his first major hit in 1938 when "I Hadn't Anyone Til You," recorded with Ray Noble's Orchestra, hit No. 4. The hits continued until "Walk Hand in Hand" hit the No. 10 in 1956, the last of his 13 Top 10 singles. His biggest hits were "It's a Blue World" and "There's No Tomorrow," that hit No. 2 in 1940 and 1949 respectively.

He was a featured vocalist on George Burns and Gracie Allen's popular radio show, and the 15-minute "Tony Martin Show" aired on NBC TV from 1964-56. He also appeared in such films as "Follow the Fleet" with Fred Astaire and Ginger Roger in 1936 and "The Big Store" starring the Marx Brothers in 1941.

Martin was married to film star Alice Faye from 1937-1941. He married dancer-singer-actress Cyd Charisse in 1948. They were married for 60 years until her death in 2008.

ORLEANS' HOPPEN DIES Singer guitarist Larry Hoppen, who co-founded Woodstock-based soft rockers Orleans, died of undisclosed causes at an undisclosed location at age 61, according to a post by Hoppen's widow on his Facebook page. Hoppen sang on the band's biggest '70 s hits, "Still the One," that went Top 10, and the Top 20 hits, "Dance With Me" and "Love Takes Time."

NEW RELEASES Among the recently released albums, digital reissues and deluxe box sets are the 21-track "I Am An Elvis Fan," that is the result of a fan poll where they selected their favorite songs in seven separate categories such as '50 s, '60 s, gospel, love songs, country, movies and in concert; "Playlist: The Very Best of Mary Chapin Carpenter;" "Sparkle: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack," featuring Whitney Houston's final two recorded songs; "Live" from American jazz and R&B singer Randy Crawford and Jazz Crusaders founder, pianist Joe Sample, that includes a cover of Tony Joe White's "Rainy Night in Georgia" that was a hit in 1970 for Brooke Benton and "Carnaby Street," from The Michael Des Barre Band.

Also "Chariots of Fire" The Play (Music from the Stage Show"' by Vangelis; "Word of Mouth Band 1983 Japan Tour" from jazz fusion bassist Jaco Pastorius; the remastered live 2-CD "Hot August Night (40 th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)" from Neil Diamond comes with three previously unreleased songs, as well as all of his recently unearthed stage chat; a Japanese import, "The Beach Boys Songbook" features the surf band's songs covered by Andy Williams, Johnny Rivers, Cass Elliot, Petula Clark, The Cowsills, Melissa Manchester, Todd Rundgren, The Tokens, The Rip Chords, Leif Garrett and others.

Actor/comedian/composer Jackie Gleason's "Music From Lovers Only," a 1955 smash LP of mood music that still holds the record (for an album to remain in the Top 10 (155 weeks); "In Dub: 1" from Bob Marley and The Wailers; "The Johnny Cash Music Festival," from last year's inaugural tribute bash featuring George Jones, Rosanne Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Gary Morris and Rodney Crowell; "Blues on Fire," from Canadian rocker Pat Travers, features blues covers dating to the '20 s, including "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" that was a hit for Bessie Smith in 1929, and "Nobody's Fault But Mine" that Blind Willie Jefferson recorded in 1927 and Led Zeppelin covered in 1977.

A reissue of two albums in one CD, "Clover"/ "Forty-Niner," from 1970-1971 is out from little-known Mill Valley group Clover, who backed Elvis Costello on "My Aim is True" and later pretty much transformed into Huey Lewis & The News; "My Woman My Woman My Wife"/"Marty After Midnight," from Marty Robbins; "Guitars & Women"/"Face to Face" from the former leader of The McCoys and a member of Ringo's most recent All-Starr Band, Rick Derringer; and "Don't Go To Strangers"/"Softly As I Leave You," two mid-'60 s LPs from traditional pop singer Eydie Gorme.

Frank Zappa has a ton of rereleases out from the late '60 s and early '70 s, including "Hot Rats," his second solo album, from October 1969, that he recorded with mostly with keyboardist/reed man Ian Underwood, but with help from Little Feat guitarist Lowell George, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers & Mothers of Invention violinist Don "Sugarcane" Harris, jazz drummer Paul Humphrey, jazz fusion violinist Jean-Luc Ponty and Captain Beefheart handling vocals on "Willie the Pimp;" Zappa and The Mothers of Invention's 1970 "Weasels Ripped My Flesh," that was recorded in concert and in the studio during 1968-1969 and includes a cover of Little Richard's "Directly From My Heart To You," and also from 1970, "Burnt Weenie Sandwich" and "Chunga's Revenge," that marks the first time The Turtles' high harmonist Mark Volman and lead singer Howard Kaylan, aka Flo & Eddie, sang with Zappa.

The "Complete Albums Collection" series includes a 10-CD set from jazz double bassist Charles Mingus, and a 6-CD box from jazz pianist Thelonious Monk; a 6-CD set, "Original Album Selection" from British multi instrumentalist/composer Mike Oldfield, which includes his classic, "Tubular Bells" album; and "The Complete Columbia Albums 1971-1975," a 6-CD set from progressive jazz group Weather Report.

Other box sets include "Phish: Chicago '94," a 6-CD set that features the eclectic jam band covering Argent's "Hold Your Head Up," Prince's "Purple Rain, and Led Zeppelin's "Good Times Bad Times" and "How Many More Times;" a 3-CD set, "Out of Many: 50 Years of Jamaican Music" featuring, among others, The Skatelites, Eek-A-Mouse, Yellowman and Beenie Man; a 2-CD, "Live Anthology 1972-2001," from Glen Campbell that features the Rhinestone Cowboy performing all his hits, as well as some surprises like Paul McCartney's "Mull of Kintyre," The Edwin Hawkins Singers' "Oh Happy Day," The Hollies' "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother," a tribute to his time with the Beach Boys that includes "Fun Fun Fun," "I Get Around" and "Surfin' USA," and believe it or not, Rossini's "William Tell Overture;" a 2-CD package, "Then Again: The David Sanborn Anthology" from the jazz and pop saxophonist; and a 4-CD box set from The Grateful Dead, "Dick's Picks Vol. 28 2/26/73 Pershing Municipal Auditorium, Lincoln, NE 2/28/73 Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, UT."

NOW PLAYING Classic acts from the '50 s, '60 s and '70 s continue to perform. Here's what one of them is doing.

As lead singer of The Archies, Ron Dante had the best selling single of 1969 with Jeff Barry and his friend Andy Kim's "Sugar Sugar." The single sold more than the runner-ups, including The 5 th Dimension's "Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In," "I Can't Get Next to You," by The Temptations, The Stones' "Honky Tonk Woman," Sly & The Family Stone's "Everyday People" and Tommy Roe's "Dizzy."

At the same time that "Sugar Sugar" was at No. 1, Dante had another hit in the Top 10, "Tracy," under the name The Cuff Links.

He then spent nearly a decade, from 1973-1981, producing a string of eight platinum and multi platinum albums for Barry Manilow. He produced and provided backup vocals on such Manilow smashes as "Mandy," "I Write the Songs" (written by Beach Boy Bruce Johnston), "Can't Smile Without You" and "Copacabana."

Dante, now 66, still performs occasionally on lineups with other veteran acts. On Aug. 18, he'll be at Meadow Park in Big Bear Lake, with former Badfinger singer-guitarist Joey Molland. He'll be in Pennsylvania for a couple gigs in September with shows on the 8 th in Pennsbury, with Charlie Thomas' Drifters, Shirley Reeves of The Shirelles, The Orlons and The Rip Chords, and at "A Night of Bubblegum Rock" at Hersheypark in Hershey that also stars The 1910 Fruitgum Company and Joey Levine of The Ohio Express.